Natchez Steamboat

The Natchez Steamboat Cruise is a New Orleans landmark and one of the "most recommended things to do" by tour guides and locals. I won't disagree with that. Though many of the tour guides were somewhat misleading in stating that it was a "cajun dinner". When I think cajun I think gumbos, etouffee, spicy dishes heavily laden with crawfish. The grits with gravy may have fit the bill. But I wouldn't exactly call the prime rib, chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and spinach with bread pudding for dessert cajun fare. Not that it wasn't delicious, just not what I was expecting or as advertised. I also found it somewhat annoying that they forced you to have your picture taken before boarding "for security reaons" but then of course offered to sell you the picture once the cruise was over. An offer which I declined at the time, but now regret now that the experience is over. Since you have to have the picture made anyway, you might as well splurge and buy it as a souvenir of your trip.

That aside, the cruise was enjoyable, being out in the middle of the Mississippi River for two hours relaxing, the crew and fellow passagengers were friendly, and the food was quite tasty, though you had to turn in your ticket during your first trip through the buffet line, the wait staff made sure to let you know that it was all you can eat. I was well stuffed before I was able to drag myself back out onto the deck with my obligatory white russian that I seemed to have with every meal while in New Orleans.

The cruise path also offers many breathtaking views of the New Orleans skyline and shore sights. The museum style engine room is also worth checking out. The best part for me though was just getting to sit back, get away from the city for a couple of hours, let the wind blow through my hair and watch the waters of the Mississippi flow by below.

Whether you take the cruise for the steamboat experience, the food, the music, the drinks, the sights or just to get away from the city for a couple of hours, it's well worth the price. I don't think any trip to New Orleans would be complete without it.

I took a journey aboard this authentic Sternwheel Steamboat. Since my first time in the city I wanted to do it, but never had the chance until now.

It's a 2 hour cruise, which departs from the heart of the French Quarter. You can not only admire the beauty of downtown and the most important buildings of the city (ancient and modern), but also the beauty of the scenery and surroundings. So romantic.

There is live narration which will explain you the ancient history of the city and also the recent one. You can also visit the museum style engine room.

There are 2 Harbor Cruises daily (11:30 & 2:30pm)
And the Dinner/Jazz Cruise at 7pm

It's a slow and graceful cruise down the Mississipi.